Mold behind wardrobe: call landlord or professional first?« Back to Previous Page

Black mould behind furniture in a Dubai villa is a serious health concern, especially with children coughing. The damp smell indicates active growth, which is common here due to high humidity and condensation from year-round AC use.

Your first call should be to your landlord, as this is their responsibility to remediate under Dubai rental law. Immediately send them clear photos and a written notification. This creates a formal record and starts the process. They will typically arrange for a professional assessment.

Do not attempt to clean it yourself. Disturbing extensive mould without proper containment can aerosolize spores and spread them throughout your home, potentially worsening the respiratory issues. A professional inspection is essential to determine the moisture source—often a hidden pipe leak, penetrating damp from an external wall, or condensation—and the true extent behind the wall.

The landlord’s contractor should perform the remediation, which involves isolating the area, removing contaminated materials safely, and fixing the water intrusion problem. For your peace of mind, you can independently request that the company provides before-and-after lab test results to verify the spore count has been returned to safe levels. This is a standard practice for reputable firms in the UAE. Ensure the remediation is complete before moving furniture back.